RESEARCH & ADVOCACY

The adoption of General Recommendation 40 (GR40) represents a paradigm shift in how we ensure women’s representation in decision-making systems at all levels. GR40 is a new legal framework – rooted in the binding standards of one of the widest ratified treaties- that mandates equal participation and power through 50:50 gender parity permanent measures at both national and international levels.

A critical aspect of GR40 is that it elevates the standards of participation in international spaces, including international judicial bodies and monitoring bodies, peace and security sectors, arbitration mechanisms, and multilateral forums—areas where women’s representation has historically been absent or insufficient. This development is central to GQUAL’s mission, as it directly addresses the spaces where we work to achieve gender parity. GR40 clearly establishes gender parity as a legal right, ensuring that women’s equal power and leadership are recognized as essential components of decision-making across political, public, private, and economic sectors.

We are proud to have actively contributed to this transformative process, providing expert feedback, data, and hosting consultations to shape recommendations that tackle the barriers to women’s participation in international justice and other key decision-making spaces.

Moving forward, and starting with a key meeting this week with experts and key stakeholders, we will continue to advocate for the full implementation of GR40, ensuring it becomes a practical tool for dismantling the patriarchal structures that have long excluded women from these spaces. This is a significant step toward creating truly inclusive systems worldwide.